Arsenal hero Paul Merson has backed his old side to come out on top in today's crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The north London outfit currently sit five points clear at the top of the table with just nine games to go as second-placed Manchester City continue to keep the pressure on, defeating Southampton 4-1 yesterday. April presents a tough period for the Gunners and next up is a game against Jurgen Klopp and co at Anfield, a ground they haven't secured a league victory at since 2012.
But that hasn't stopped Merson from predicting Mikel Arteta's side to clinch all three points against the Reds this afternoon. "This game is a worry for Arsenal," Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda column.
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"Liverpool did not play (Mohamed) Salah, (Virgil) Van Dijk, (Andy) Robertson, or (Trent) Alexander-Arnold against Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp could be saving these players for Arsenal. I'd be shocked if they don't play this game.
"It seems like the Arsenal game at home is more important to Jurgen Klopp, and that would worry me as an Arsenal fan. If Arsenal win this game, I think they win the Premier League. They still have a game against an excellent Newcastle side, but Arsenal won't have to beat them if they can get the better of Liverpool. If they win this game, they would have to have a major meltdown to lose the title race.
"Jurgen Klopp wants his Liverpool side to play a certain way, and his team doesn't have the legs to pull it off at the moment. It wasn't too long ago that Liverpool were smashing Manchester United at home. This is going to be a difficult game for Arsenal, and a victory here would seal the Premier League title for me."
Merson's prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has echoed Merson's sentiments, also backing Arsenal to banish their Anfield hoodoos. "Chelsea were the better team when they drew with Liverpool on Tuesday", Sutton told the BBC.
"I know the Reds made a lot of changes at Stamford Bridge, but if they were resting players before this game, I don't think it will make much difference. I think Liverpool's top-four hopes are over now, and everyone is looking ahead to the summer, when a major overhaul of their squad is needed.
"I just don't see a switch being flicked with their current group where, all of a sudden, they respond next season - their problems have gone on for too long. I have to hold my hands up and admit I got it wrong a lot with my predictions for Liverpool this season because I kept thinking they had turned a corner - and they haven't done.
"There is not a lot wrong with their forward line but their defence is just not good enough and I am amazed Jurgen Klopp's side kept a clean sheet against Chelsea. They won't keep Arsenal out on Sunday, though. There is absolutely no chance of that.
"The way Arsenal are playing, I am expecting them to turn up at Anfield, play with a swagger, and cut right through Liverpool. The Gunners have not won there since September 2012, when Mikel Arteta was playing for them, and in the past this might have been a trip they feared. Not any more."
Sutton's prediction: Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal
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